The Ancient World: c.

2750 BCE- 476 CE

The ancient world of literature stems primarily out of Greek and Roman history and traditions. This
literature was geared more towards an older audience but children still enjoyed many of the stories that
were told. This was the start of tales about traveling adventures, war stories, mystic fables, magic, and
mythology known to all.

c. 850 BCE-Homer’s Odyssey (This is a read in most high schools as part of the curriculum)

c.620- 560 BCE-Aesop’s Fables (which includes the tale of Tortuous and the Hare which is a story still
told to most children)

The Middle Ages:

c. 476-1450

Also known as the “Dark Ages” because as Rome fell extreme poverty, hunger, war, and sickness spread.
The production of written work was at a stand still and most stories were shared orally or through
performances. This is was the time of biblical tales, fantasy and adventure. Although there was wide
spread illiteracy stories were still being told and have been passed down to current generations.c. 800-
1000CE-Beowulf (This story is still studied in high school literature.)

c.1450 - A Gest of Robyn Hode: “Robin Hood” (This theme of stealing from the rich and giving to the
poor came about at the beginning of the Renaissance Period. But again another story that is still beloved
by most children and not only seen in literature but in movies as well. )King Arthur and the Knights of
the Round Table (Not only is this a popular book but Disney also made movies out of this tale. Even
more recently there have been adult movies and TV series about King Arthur as well.)

The Renaissance:

c. 1450-1700

This period of time was a huge turning point for people because they were moving out of the "Dark
Ages" and into a time of prosperity. Literacy became prevalent among all people due to the invention of
the printing press. Education became more valued, more school started popping up and children began
to learn to read and write. Literacy was no longer a privilege just for the wealthy but was accessible to
all because the people valued being able to read from the bible. Hornbook's were created which was
just a wooden slab shaped like a paddle that was used for very young children learning the alphabet or
short prayer.
The 18Th Century:

Beginning

The 18th century was the starting point of children's literature as we know it. This was when books
specifically where created and designed just for children. They focused primarily on moral lessons and
how one should act and objected to tales of magic, wizards, and talking animals because of religious
constraints.

1720: Divine and Moral Songs for Children by Isaac Watts ( Created one of the first poetry books meant
for children only. One of his song being "Joy to the World", this song is still present in school choir
performances.)

The 18Th Century: Middle

1744: A Pretty Little Pocket Book by John Newbery

John Newbery realized that most children's books were only school books. He jumped into an untapped
market and came out with his own collection of stories, illustrations, and poems and it instantly became
a most have for children.

1762: Emile by Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Another founder of education that we currently study. His book Emile was an explanation of the ideal
education that children should receive. Rousseau advocated for simplicity and living a moral life

The 18Th Century: End

Most of Children's literature in the 18th century was dominated by female authors. Their focus was on
moral lessons that were supposed to instruct children on ways of proper living. Most of these stories
where dry, boring, or condescending to kids.

Moral Tales for Children written by Maria Edgeworth, Sarah Trimmer, Anna Laetitia Barbauld, Hannah
More, and Mary Martha Sherwood.
The 19Th Century: Beginning

The 19th century brought back the long told folktales and fairy tales that were loved by children but
shied away from in the 18th century. Children's literature began to focus on writing for entertainment
purposes rather than just moral lessons.

1812: Kinder-und Hausmarchen(Children's and Household Tales) by Wilhelm and Jacob Grimm

1827: The Youths Companions- first publication a magazine geared for children.

1835: Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen

The 19th Century: Middle

1865: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

This book is often seen as the first book written purely for entertainment purposes. The captivating
characters and wild fantasies are still being recreated and told today in recent movies geared for both
children and adult audiences.

The 19th Century: End

With the invention and improvements made to color printing children's books started to have more
vivid illustrations. The end to the 19th Century is when children's literature really came into its own and
continued to develop in the 2oth century.

1877: The Baby's Opera by Walter Crane (Children's Illustrations)

1878: John Gilpins's Ride by Randolph Caldecott (Children's Illustration)

1888: The Pied Piper of Hamelin by Kate Greenaway (Children's Illustration)

The 20Th Century: Beginning

The 20th century continued were the 19th century left off keeping character rich and entertaining story
lines. Children's literature began to be acknowledge with various excellency awards.

1900: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum ( This book is still read, performed, and watched by
children in this present generation.)

1922: Creation of an American award of excellence for children's literature called the Newbery Medal
( Named after John Newbery )
1926: Winnie-the Pooh by A.A. Milne (This collection of stories was one of my all time favorites as a kid
and became a very popular on must see Disney Characters.

The 2oth Century: Middle

Dr. Seuss came out with his first story. Dr. Seuss is celebrated today as one of the great children's
authors who brought to life fun imaginative story's and poems.

1937: And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street by Dr. Seuss

1938: American Award of excellence for children's books illustrations was created and called the
Caldecott Medal

The 2oth Century: Middle

Dr. Seuss came out with his first story. Dr. Seuss is celebrated today as one of the great children's
authors who brought to life fun imaginative story's and poems.

1937: And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street by Dr. Seuss

1938: American Award of excellence for children's books illustrations was created and called the
Caldecott Medal

The 20Th Century: End

1940's -Present Day:

The expansion of children's literature is still flourishing and changing. With the growing diversity within
our society and world communities children's literature is aiming to mirror what children need. a